Hodgson took charge of his first public training session as England manager on a sweltering Manchester morning on Thursday - but he was presented with an early headache as Glen Johnson limped off.

The Liverpool full-back is Hodgson's only recognised right-back in the squad following Micah Richards' shock omission.

Toe injury: Glen Johnson explains the problem to the manager

But the FA quickly downplayed Johnson's early exit at the Etihad Stadium, insisting he was forced off early with an 'infected toe'.

It wasn't only Hodgson's ball-carrying skills that impressed. The twinkle-toed manager was keen to implement his hands-on approach and joined in during a small-sided match.

New regime: Hodgson and Gary Neville

New coach Gary Neville also had a large role to play in the new regime which took charge after England secured qualification for this summer's European Championship Finals in Poland and Ukraine last October.

The former Manchester United man was expected to become the link between Hodgson and his players, although Fabio Capello's successor is evidently going to be a more central figure as he took charge of training, which his predecessor preferred to observe.